Name and Location

The Phare du Chay is a small harbour light marking the approach to the port of Royan on the Atlantic coast of southwest France. It is located at 29 Rue de la Paix, 17200 Royan, France, in the municipality of Royan (Arrondissement of Rochefort), Département: Charente-Maritime, Région: Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

2. Construction and History

The Phare du Chay was constructed in the mid-19th century to guide coastal shipping into the Gironde estuary and Royan harbour, marking the Chay sandbank. It is an automated light, with no on-site keepers since the mid-20th century.

3. Architecture and Materials

The tower is a cylindrical masonry structure with a balcony and lantern, standing 15 meters tall above its base. The lower part of the tower is painted white, while the upper part and gallery are in red. The construction materials used were local stone or concrete, typical of 19th-century French harbour lights.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare du Chay is a directional front light, emitting a quick flashing red light (Q R) at a rate of approximately 50-80 flashes per minute. It has a range of 18 nautical miles and is visible only over a narrow azimuth sector of about 3½° to align with the rear range light and guide vessels safely past the banc du Chay.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse stands on private property along a residential street (Impasse des Rosiers/Rue de la Paix) and is not open to visitors. However, it can be seen from the public quay or beach promenade at the eastern end of Royan. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by walking 10 minutes from the town centre or taking bus or taxi services.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape is a mix of urban-coastal features, with low cliffs and sandy shores to the south, offering views of the Gironde estuary entrance to the north. From the gallery, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over Royan's harbour, the Gironde estuary, and the Pointe de Grave opposite.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no well-known myths or shipwreck incidents specifically associated with the Phare du Chay.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is operated by the Service des phares et balises (Port-Captaincy of La Rochelle-Royan region) and is listed on French nautical charts, including SHOM chart 7130 – Approches de Royan.

9. Further Information

For more information, please consult OpenStreetMap, SHOM chart 7130, or the regional guide "Les phares de Charente-Maritime."